From the Silver Dog House

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

My Iris beds have been suffering the ravages of Iris Borers for many years. Last year I was beginning to think I would have to give upon them. Last summer I transplanted some into a new bed, which was long overdue. Last spring and this I spayed with a systemic. Then with the severe winter, and burning the dead leaves off this spring, my Iris are more prolific and beautiful than they have been for years. Hooray. This was just the first surprise blooms. So I have new energy for transplanting more into the new bed and hoping for a renewal of my favorite garden flower.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

It has been nearly FOREVER since I have posted. Life seems to go too fast. The gardens are totally neglected this year but my white butterfly bush is huge. We are in a climate where they usually die to the ground but last winter it did not die and and the resultant giant is amazing. Earlier this week it was covered with Tiger swallowtail butterflies, but I did not get the camera into the yard to record that event. Today it was buzzing with all sorts of butterflies and moths and bumble bees. There were at least a dozen Hummingbird moths whizzing around feeding on the blooms.

Monday, May 25, 2009

We just returned from a weekend at the Alma Highland Festival, where we helped with the Clan Donnachaidh tent. That is Robertson to all us non Gaelic speakers. We still never get our fill of Bagpipes and the Massed Bands. The President of the Upper Midwest Branch of the Clan always brings an impressive collection of weapons. I could not resist posing Richard with the largest. That dangerous looking thing is darn heavy. I carried a much lighter weight, but almost as long, broadsword in the parade of Tartans at the opening ceremonies.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

I finally went back to riding yesterday after a three month hiatus. This is the barn at Tin Girl Farm where my coach is located. I rode a nice Pinto Quarter Horse gelding named Socks. He is a pretty good boy, and do I have a lot of work to do to get back into some sort of shape.